Anti-Japanese War: The whole world is a base vehicle

As night fell, the lights in the Japanese Southern Army Headquarters were dim. Yamamoto Ichiro walked into Terauchi Juichi's office, exhausted.

He was thin and his face showed fatigue from the journey, but his eyes revealed the shrewdness and alertness unique to a spy.

"Commander, I'm back." Ichiro Yamamoto stood at attention and saluted Terauchi Hisaichi with standard and mechanical movements.

Terauchi Juichi nodded slightly, motioning him to sit down, with a hint of urgency in his eyes: "Mr. Yamamoto, tell me what you saw and heard in the Freedom Army this time. What is the situation of the Freedom Army?"

Ichiro Yamamoto cleared his throat and began to report: "Commander, this time I went deep into the Free Army's activity area, and what I saw and heard was shocking. Although the Free Army is poorly equipped, it has a strong fighting spirit and popular support. Their base is well organized, the army and the people are united, and the people actively provide intelligence, cover the wounded, and even directly participate in the battle."

He took out the notebook he carried with him, turned to the pages that recorded the key information, and continued: "The Free Army's tactics are flexible and changeable, and they often use guerrilla tactics, making it difficult for our large forces to predict. They are familiar with the terrain and use the complex topography of the rainforest to attack our strongholds and transportation lines unexpectedly. Moreover, they are constantly growing and have absorbed many local indigenous people from surrounding areas to join them."

Terauchi Shouichi frowned, lit a cigarette, took a deep breath and slowly exhaled the smoke: "According to what you said, the Freedom Army is indeed a serious threat. What are your specific opinions?"

Yamamoto Ichiro straightened up with a serious expression: "Commander, in my opinion, if this continues, the Free Army will inevitably become a huge obstacle to our operations in Southeast Asia. They are like a growing cancer. If we don't eradicate them in time, they will definitely bring us disaster in the future. I suggest that we send out heavy troops now, concentrate superior forces, carry out a comprehensive encirclement and suppression of the Free Army's base, and completely eliminate them."

Terauchi Juichi did not answer immediately. He stood up, walked to the window, looked at the dark night outside, and thought for a long time.

The nights in Southeast Asia are still hot and humid, with the occasional barking of dogs in the distance breaking the brief silence.

"Mr. Yamamoto, your idea makes sense." Terauchi Juichi finally spoke, "But you only see the problem at hand. Our current strategic goal is not only to eliminate the Freedom Army, but to establish a stable rule throughout Southeast Asia."

He turned around, his eyes flashing with ambition: "You know what? Britain's defense in Burma is weak, and Burma is vital to our strategic layout."

"If we take over Burma, we can not only cut off China's international aid channels, but also use it as a springboard to further advance into India and bring all of South Asia into our sphere of influence. By then, China will be isolated and helpless, and the Freedom Army will naturally be nothing to fear."

Yamamoto Ichiro was slightly startled, obviously he did not expect Terauchi Juichi's strategic vision to be so long-term. After thinking for a moment, he said: "Your Excellency the Commander's strategy is far-sighted, but if we concentrate our forces in Burma at this time, will the Free Army take the opportunity to grow stronger? By the time we have time to free up our forces in Burma, I am afraid that the Free Army will be difficult to deal with."

Terauchi Shouichi sneered: "Mr. Yamamoto, you still don't understand the situation in China well enough."

"Although the Free Army is difficult to deal with, there is still a huge gap between their equipment and manpower and ours."

"Moreover, the situation in China is complicated, and there are conflicts between various forces."

"Our ultimate goal is to occupy the entire China. A few free armies are not worth our desperate efforts."

"We can take advantage of the conflicts among the indigenous people to divide them and weaken the power of the Freedom Army."

He walked to the map, pointed to the border area between Myanmar and China and said, "Once we take over Myanmar, we can encircle China from the southwest, then march eastwards and cooperate with the domestic combat troops to completely wipe out the Freedom Army. By then, the whole of China will be under our control."

Although Yamamoto Ichiro still had some doubts in his heart, he still said respectfully: "Your Excellency the Commander is very far-sighted. I am ashamed of myself."

"It's just the plan to attack Burma. There are many factors to consider, such as the resistance of the British army, the local terrain and climate, and logistical supply issues."

Terauchi nodded: "I have already considered all of this. The British army has limited manpower in Burma, and they are already overwhelmed on the European battlefield. It is difficult for them to provide effective support to Burma."

"As for the terrain and climate, we can conduct reconnaissance and preparation in advance and train soldiers to adapt to the combat environment of the tropical jungle."

"In terms of logistics, we can use Siam's resources to establish a complete supply line."

At this moment, there was a sound of hurried footsteps outside the door, and an adjutant hurried in, saluted Terauchi Juichi and handed him a telegram. Terauchi Juichi took the telegram and his face changed slightly.

"What's wrong, Commander?" Ichiro Yamamoto couldn't help but ask.

Terauchi Juichi handed the telegram to Yamamoto Ichiro: "This is a telegram from Tokyo. The headquarters has put forward new requirements for our actions in Southeast Asia. They hope that we can take over Burma as soon as possible, and at the same time strengthen the blockade of China's coastal areas to prevent the United States from providing assistance to China through the sea."

After reading the telegram, Ichiro Yamamoto groaned inwardly.

He originally thought that his suggestions would be taken seriously by Terauchi Hisaichi, but he did not expect that now he had to follow the instructions of the headquarters and focus on attacking Burma.

"Commander, it seems that we need to speed up the implementation of our plan." Ichiro Yamamoto said helplessly.

Terauchi Shouichi snorted, "This is exactly what I want. Tokyo's decision coincides with my idea. Yamamoto-kun, you immediately collect detailed intelligence about Burma, including the British army's deployment, fortifications, local terrain and climate information. I want to formulate an attack plan for Burma in the shortest possible time."

"Yes, Commander!" Yamamoto Ichiro saluted and walked out of the office. He knew that the days ahead would be even busier and more dangerous, but in order to realize Japan's dream of a "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere", he could only go all out.

In the next few days, Yamamoto Ichiro led his intelligence team to collect intelligence about Burma. They obtained a lot of valuable information through various channels, including bribing local traitors, using spy networks, and sending reconnaissance teams into Burma.

At the same time, Terauchi Juichi was also intensively preparing a battle plan to attack Burma. He summoned senior Japanese generals in Southeast Asia and held several military meetings to discuss battle plans. At the meeting, the generals expressed their opinions. Some advocated a blitzkrieg to quickly break through the British defense line; others suggested taking steady steps and advancing step by step to avoid a protracted war.

After repeated discussions and considerations, Terauchi Juichi finally decided to adopt a tactic that combined blitzkrieg with outflanking tactics. He planned to send an elite force from the mountainous area in northern Siam, bypass the British frontal defense line, and penetrate into the heart of Burma to cut off the British retreat. At the same time, he would gather heavy troops on the front battlefield and launch a fierce attack on the British army, forcing the main force of the British army to fight a decisive battle with the Japanese army.

In order to ensure the smooth implementation of the battle plan, Terauchi Juichi also redeployed the Japanese troops. He transferred some troops from the Chinese battlefield to strengthen the military forces in Southeast Asia. At the same time, he also ordered the Japanese Navy to cooperate with the army to blockade and bombard the coastal areas of Burma to weaken the British defense.

On the eve of the attack on Burma, Terauchi Juichi summoned Yamamoto Ichiro again. At this time, Yamamoto Ichiro looked a little haggard due to continuous running and fatigue for many days, but his eyes were full of excitement and expectation.

"Mr. Yamamoto, how is the intelligence work going?" asked Terauchi Hisaichi.

"Commander, we have collected detailed intelligence about Burma, including the British army's troop deployment, fortifications, local terrain and climate. This information has been compiled into a report and submitted to the General Staff," replied Ichiro Yamamoto.

Terauchi nodded: "Very good. You have done an excellent job. Intelligence work is crucial for this attack on Burma. We must ensure that every detail of the battle plan is foolproof." Yamamoto Ichiro stood at attention and saluted: "Please rest assured, Commander, I will do my best to contribute to the victory of the empire."

Terauchi Juichi looked at Yamamoto Ichiro with a look of satisfaction in his eyes: "Yamamoto-kun, wait until we take over Burma, then we will turn around and deal with the Free Army. By then, the Free Army will have nowhere to escape."

Ichiro Yamamoto's heart sank as he remembered the determined eyes and tenacious resistance of the Free Army soldiers he saw in Annan.

He knew that the Freedom Army would never be easily destroyed, but in front of Terauchi Hisaichi, he did not dare to reveal his true thoughts.

"Your Excellency the Commander is wise and brave. The Freedom Army will certainly not be a match for the Imperial Army." Ichiro Yamamoto said against his will.

Terauchi Shouichi laughed: "Okay, Yamamoto-kun, go and have a rest. Tomorrow, we will embark on the journey to conquer Burma."

Ichiro Yamamoto left the office with mixed feelings.

With Terauchi Hisaichi's order, the Japanese attack began.

Under the cover of artillery fire, the Japanese army poured into Burma like a tide.

Although the British army put up a tenacious resistance, their defense line gradually collapsed under the fierce attack of the Japanese army.

The battle went exceptionally smoothly; the Japanese attack was not as difficult as imagined.

When the Japanese army began to advance towards Burma, the British military leaders fell into unprecedented panic.

In the British military headquarters in Burma, the atmosphere was so solemn that it seemed as if water could be squeezed out of it.

The commanders looked gloomy and kept pacing in front of the map, trying to find a way to turn the situation around, but all was in vain.

"Our forces are too dispersed, and we can't draw any support from the European battlefield. We have no chance of winning against the Japanese attack." A British general had a look of despair on his face, his voice trembling.

The others nodded, their eyes full of helplessness and anxiety.

They knew very well that if Burma was lost, not only would the British Empire lose face in Southeast Asia, but the strategic situation would also become irreversible.

But at this time, the British soldiers had low morale and no will to resist.

The long period of comfortable life in Southeast Asia has made them lose their passion for fighting. Facing the fierce Japanese army, they are filled with fear.

On the front line, some British troops abandoned their positions without even offering any resistance.

Those once proud British soldiers are now like frightened birds, thinking only of how to save their lives.

The colonies gradually fell into the hands of the Japanese army as they surrendered them.

But the British military leaders did not want to completely abandon Burma. They were concerned about the British and Burmese troops in Burma.

Although the combat effectiveness of these troops varies, they are also a force of the British Empire in this land.

In order to save them, the British military leaders racked their brains and finally turned their attention to the distant East - China.

The British army quickly sent representatives to initiate emergency communication with the Chinese side.

At the negotiation table in the mountain city, the British representatives spoke sincerely but with a bit of arrogance.

"Now that the Japanese army is attacking Burma, this is a huge threat to both of us. Once Burma falls, the next target of the Japanese army will definitely be your country. Therefore, we hope that your country can dispatch an expeditionary force to assist us in defending Burma." said the British representative.

The Chinese representatives looked solemn. They had many considerations in mind regarding the British army's request. Sending troops to Burma would mean investing a large amount of manpower and resources, and the situation in Burma was complicated, making the outcome unpredictable.

But if the Japanese army occupied Burma and cut off China's international aid channel, the consequences would be equally disastrous.

"We understand your country's concerns, but sending troops is a matter of great importance and we need time to discuss. Moreover, if we send troops, we must have clear command and combat plans and cannot blindly follow your country's arrangements." The Chinese representative responded calmly.

When the British representative heard this, he felt unhappy, but he did not dare to show it.

They knew they needed help from others at the moment, so they could only be patient and continue the negotiations.

"We can consider your country's request, but time is pressing. The Japanese army has been advancing steadily into Burma, and we must make a decision as soon as possible," urged the British representative.

In the next few days, the two sides engaged in fierce bargaining.

The Chinese side put forward a series of conditions, including logistical support, intelligence sharing, and equal status in the coalition forces.

Although the British army was reluctant, they had no choice but to agree to all the requests in order to get China to send troops.

At the same time, there was a heated discussion in China about whether to send troops to Myanmar.

The generals expressed their opinions. Some believed that they should seize the opportunity to cooperate with the British army to jointly resist the Japanese army, and at the same time open up channels for international aid. Others were worried that the British army was unreliable and that sending troops to Burma might fall into the trap of the British army, causing the Chinese army to sacrifice in vain. (End of this chapter)